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Serum Insulin and Leptin Levels in Children with Epilepsy on Valproate-associated Obesity

Talha Rehman1, Deepak Sachan1, Anubhuti Chitkara2

  • 1Department of Pediatrics, Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Dr. Ram Manohar Lohia Hospital, New Delhi, India.

Journal of Pediatric Neurosciences
|September 15, 2017
PubMed

Insights

Sodium valproic acid (VPA) significantly increases body mass index (BMI) in children with epilepsy. This weight gain is linked to elevated insulin and leptin levels, suggesting their role in VPA-induced obesity.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Neurology
  • Endocrinology
  • Metabolic Disorders

Background:

  • Sodium valproic acid (VPA) is a common antiepileptic drug used in children.
  • Weight gain and obesity are frequently observed adverse effects of VPA treatment.
  • Potential mechanisms include increased appetite, altered thermogenesis, and hormonal changes like elevated insulin and leptin.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the role of insulin and leptin in the pathogenesis of VPA-induced weight gain in pediatric epilepsy patients.
  • To compare insulin and leptin levels in children with epilepsy on VPA versus controls.

Main Methods:

  • A case-control study involving 45 children with epilepsy on VPA and 45 healthy controls.
  • Measurement of Body Mass Index (BMI) for all participants.
  • Assay of fasting serum insulin and leptin levels in both groups.

Main Results:

  • Children on VPA had a significantly higher mean BMI (22.97 kg/m²) compared to controls (19.4 kg/m²).
  • Fasting serum insulin levels were significantly elevated in the VPA group (26.3 μU/ml) versus controls (15.83 μU/ml).
  • Serum leptin levels were also significantly higher in the VPA group (7.9 ng/ml) compared to controls (1.6 ng/ml).

Conclusions:

  • Sodium valproic acid (VPA) is associated with a significant increase in BMI in children with epilepsy.
  • VPA treatment leads to hyperinsulinemia and elevated leptin levels, indicating their involvement in VPA-induced weight gain and potential insulin resistance.
Abstract

Keywords:
Epilepsyinsulin levelsleptin levelsobesityvalproate

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